That date would be just shy of a year since the NIDS was ruled unconstitutional and struck down by the Constitutional Court on April 12 last year.

Holness said while the Government did not appeal the decision of the court, it was never its intention to abandon the identification aspect of the legislation.

He said many Jamaicans are still having problems conducting regular day-to-day activities, such as dealing with financial institutions, because of their lack of proper identification.

“Let me make it clear that the Government is not abandoning the identification aspects of NIDS.

“Our target is to issue new drafting instructions, with strengthened oversight and security provisions, by January 2020, with the aim to table a new Bill by the end of financial year 2019-2020,” the prime minister stated.

He said the Administration has completed a revived policy that is consistent with the recommendations of the court ruling that is now being “reviewed by our primary stakeholders”.

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